NFL.com ranks Arizona Cardinals offense 4th-best in the league

Oct 14, 2015, 5:00 PM | Updated: 5:02 pm

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) drops back to pass against the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)

(AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)

BY KEVIN ZIMMERMAN

ArizonaSports.com lead editor

The Arizona Cardinals score 38 points per game, good for first in the NFL. They have a point differential of 100 through five games of 2015, which is also tops in the league.

But NFL.com’s Gil Brandt ranks the Arizona offense fourth in the NFL, all after writing 302 glowing words about every Cardinal offensive contributor. Brandt likes what he sees from Carson Palmer, Chris Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald and coach Bruce Arians.

Then Brandt answers the question that’s probably lingering as you read this.

What’s currently separating the Cardinals from the top three? Thus far, they — like the Falcons — have relied more on non-offensive touchdowns (three defensive, one return) than the three teams above, who have no return touchdowns and just one defensive touchdown (by the Packers) between them.

Fair enough. It’s true that Arizona has gone 4-1 with a balance of offense and defense.

However they’re getting the points, the Cardinals have thus far put together a historic season in that regard.

When considering the offense only, Brandt ranks the Cincinnati Bengals, Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots — all perfect on the season — ahead of Arizona.

Follow @kzimmermanaz

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) is tackled by Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) before falling into the end zone for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) watches from the sidelines after being pulled for quarterback Dan Orlovsky during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

A Detroit Lions fan wears a enlarged baby face during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) is tackled by Detroit Lions defensive back Josh Wilson (30) and outside linebacker Josh Bynes (57) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown (12) is congratulated by teammates after his 18-yard reception for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

Arizona Cardinals running back Chris Johnson (23) is chased by the Detroit Lions defense during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) pulls away from Detroit Lions cornerback Quandre Diggs (28) for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

Arizona Cardinals defensive end Cory Redding (90) jumps over Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) after intercepting a pass during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah (21) is stopped by Arizona Cardinals free safety Tyrann Mathieu, left, and strong safety Deone Bucannon, right, during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)

Arizona Cardinals tight end Darren Fells, defended by Detroit Lions middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch (55), scores on a 14-yard reception during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Markus Golden (44) rushes Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) falls into the end zone for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

Arizona Cardinals running back Chris Johnson (23) rushes during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.